Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:178 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 178
Arabic Text
وَلَا يَحۡسَبَنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡۤا اَنَّمَا نُمۡلِىۡ لَهُمۡ خَيۡرٌ لِّاَنۡفُسِهِمۡؕ اِنَّمَا نُمۡلِىۡ لَهُمۡ لِيَزۡدَادُوۡۤا اِثۡمًاۚ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ مُّهِيۡنٌ
Transliteration
Wala yahsabanna allatheenakafaroo annama numlee lahum khayrun li-anfusihim innamanumlee lahum liyazdadoo ithman walahum AAathabunmuheen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:178 reveals Allah's divine wisdom regarding the respite given to disbelievers, warning them not to think that postponing their punishment is beneficial for them. The verse states 'Let not the disbelievers think that our postponing their punishment is good for them. We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness, and for them is a humiliating punishment' (ولا يحسبن الذين كفروا انما نملي لهم خير لانفسهم انما نملي لهم ليزدادوا اثما ولهم عذاب مهين). According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse addresses a crucial theological question about why disbelievers often appear to prosper in worldly life despite their rejection of truth. Classical tafsir explains that Allah's respite (إملاء) is not a sign of divine favor but rather a form of gradual punishment (استدراج) that allows disbelievers to accumulate more sins, making their ultimate punishment more severe. This concept appears throughout the Quran, as referenced in verses 23:55-56 and 68:44, where apparent worldly blessings for the wicked are actually divine tests. The 'humiliating punishment' (عذاب مهين) represents both spiritual and physical torment in the afterlife, emphasizing divine justice for those who persist in disbelief despite receiving guidance and respite.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 178 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 178
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Why does Allah give respite to disbelievers according to Ali 'Imran 3:178?
According to Ali 'Imran 3:178, Allah gives respite to disbelievers not as a favor, but to allow them to increase in sinfulness, which will make their eventual punishment more severe. The verse states: 'We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness, and for them is a humiliating punishment.'
❓What is the meaning of 'postponing punishment' in this verse?
The 'postponing punishment' (نُمْلِي لَهُمْ) refers to Allah's divine wisdom in granting disbelievers time, wealth, and apparent worldly success. This respite is not a sign of divine approval but rather allows them to accumulate more sins, demonstrating the concept of gradual punishment (استدراج) mentioned throughout the Quran.
❓Why do disbelievers prosper in this world if they are on the wrong path?
Classical Islamic tafsir explains that worldly prosperity of disbelievers is a form of divine test and gradual punishment. Their wealth and success are not signs of Allah's favor but rather opportunities for them to increase in sins and transgression, making their ultimate accountability more severe. This concept is supported by verses 23:55-56 and 9:85.
❓What is the 'humiliating punishment' mentioned in Ali 'Imran 3:178?
The 'humiliating punishment' (عَذَابٌ مُهِينٌ) refers to the disgraceful torment awaiting disbelievers in the afterlife. This punishment is both painful and degrading, emphasizing the justice of Allah for those who persist in disbelief and transgression despite receiving guidance and respite in this world.
❓How does divine respite actually increase sinfulness?
Divine respite increases sinfulness by providing disbelievers with more time, resources, and opportunities to commit transgressions. When they mistake Allah's patience for approval or absence, they become more confident in their disbelief and opposition to truth, thus accumulating more sins that will increase their punishment in the hereafter.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader context of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse continues the theme of providing comfort to believers and warning disbelievers. It follows verse 3:177 about those who trade faith for disbelief and precedes discussions about distinguishing between believers and hypocrites. The verse addresses the concern some believers had about the apparent prosperity of those who opposed Islam.
❓What is the wisdom behind Allah's patience with disbelievers?
Allah's patience demonstrates His perfect justice - He gives every person ample opportunity to repent and believe. However, when this respite is misused for increased transgression, it becomes evidence against them on the Day of Judgment. This divine wisdom ensures that no one can claim they were not given sufficient time or opportunity to choose the right path.
❓What practical lessons can modern Muslims derive from Ali 'Imran 3:178?
Modern Muslims should not be deceived by the apparent worldly success of those who oppose Islamic values. Material prosperity is not necessarily a sign of divine approval. This verse teaches patience with Allah's timeline, trust in His justice, and the importance of using one's time and resources for righteous purposes rather than accumulating sins.
Translations & Commentary
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